John Beilein has helped his team to the first preseason ranking in 12 years.

Oct. 29, 2009

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- For the first time in 12 seasons, the University of Michigan men's basketball team is ranked in a preseason poll, coming in at No. 15 in both the Associated Press and the ESPN/USA Today Coaches polls.

The last time the Wolverines were ranked in the preseason Coaches' poll was prior to the start of the 1997-98 season when they were tabbed No. 20. The last AP preseason ranking for U-M came before the 1996-97* season when the Wolverines garnered a No. 9 ranking.

In addition to the two major polls, the Wolverines are also ranked in nine other preseason polls, with the top ranking coming in Lindy's Poll that puts Michigan in the top 10 with a ninth-place spot.

The Wolverines are coming off a 21-14 effort during the 2008-09 campaign, the 22nd 20-plus win season in program history. The Wolverines garnered their 21st NCAA Tournament appearance and first in 10 years, advancing to the second round. During the season, Michigan defeated four top-25 teams, including two wins over top-five programs, and set U-M single-season records for free-throw percentage (75.7 percent), three-point field goals made (305) and three-point field goals attempted (912).

The Wolverines open the season with an exhibition contest against Wayne State on Friday, Nov. 6, at 7 p.m. at Crisler Arena. The regular season will tip off when U-M hosts Northern Michigan on Saturday, Nov. 14, at 7 p.m. at Crisler Arena.

To order tickets, call the Michigan Athletic Ticket Office at (866) 296-MTIX or (734) 764-0247, log on to mgoblue.com/tickets, or visit the U-M Ticket Office located in the Hartwig Building at 1000 South State Street, Ann Arbor. The U-M Ticket Office is open Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.